Search

Background and Aim: Chlamydophila spp. affect Leydig and Sertoli cells by dysregulating spermatogenesis, inducing apoptosis and sperm DNA fragmentation, as well as benign prostate hyperplasia. Canid herpes virus 1 (CHV-1) infection in male dogs is manifested by lesions on the base of the penis and foreskin. There is a lack of information on the influence of these microorganisms on the quality of canine semen. Seroprevalence of Chlamydophila spp. (55%–61%) and CHV-1 (22%–81%) in Europe is high. The prevalence of Chlamydophila spp. and CHV-1 has been evaluated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) only in Sweden and Croatia, respectively. No positive samples were detected in either case. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological situation in Polish male dogs (PMDs) to provide a solution to limit the spread of these microorganisms using assisted reproduction techniques or elimination from the reproduction of CHV-1 carriers. In addition, we assessed the semen quality of Chlamydophila spp. carriers and CHV-1 carriers. Materials and Methods: Cotton swabs were collected from prepuce or semen from each dog (n = 130). Real-time PCR for Chlamydophila spp. and CHV-1, as well as semen analysis, was performed using the computer-assisted semen analysis system. Results: : To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Chlamydophila spp. infection in PMD confirmed by real-time PCR. All parameters, except progressive movement in Chlamydophila semen carriers, were normal. Conclusion: The average velocity values for a dog with Chlamydia are detailed. No CHV-1 was detected. The results achieved should be verified on the basis of a larger number of studies. However, the high prevalence of these pathogens in the PMD population has not been established.

The article outlines the emergent cooperation between generations in the local environment. The aim of the research was to identify the key characteristics of learning ecologies that may be used to promote new practices. The theoretical framework was constructed through the concepts of learning ecology, community education, and postformal education. A qualitative research approach was used. Data was collected by means of 10 individual and one focus group interviews. The research revealed that the networks of different actors in the local community are effective approaches for developing intergenerational practices. It is important to connect different types of knowledge (intangible cultural heritage, local knowledge and scientific knowledge, social and emotional knowledge), skills and values, as well as different groups and organizations in the local environment to act and learn together.

Abstract Objectives To quantify extraprostatic findings (EPFs) on prostate MRI, estimate the proportion of reported and unreported EPFs, assess their clinical importance, and propose standardized reporting of EPFs. Materials and methods Prostate 3-T MRI studies, reports, and clinical data from 623 patients (age 67.9 ± 8.2 years) were retrospectively analyzed and re-evaluated for the presence of EPFs and their clinical significance: E1—no finding or findings that have no clinical significance; E2—potentially significant findings; and E3—significant findings. Results Secondary reading identified 1236 EPFs in 593 patients (1.98 ± 1.13 EPFs per patient, no EPFs in 30 patients), from which 468 (37.8%) were mentioned in the original report. The most common findings included diverticulosis (44% of patients), hydrocele (34%), inguinal fat hernia (16%), and bladder wall trabecular hypertrophy (15%). There were 80 (6.5%) E2 EPFs and 30 (2.4%) E3 EPFs. From E3 EPFs, 10 (33%) were not originally reported. A workup was suggested in 35 (52%) of the 67 originally reported E2 and E3 findings with follow-up and performed in 20 (30%). Fourteen (21%) EPFs in 11 patients influenced their management. Four experienced radiologists originally reported 1.8 to 2.5 findings per patient (p

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in women of reproductive age leads to significant health risks, including adverse metabolic and reproductive outcomes. Effective dietary interventions are critical to improving health outcomes in this population. This study investigates the impact of a 12-week diet intervention on metabolic markers of adipose tissue in overweight women of reproductive age, determining whether calorie restriction or low-starch diets are more effective, while also accounting for salivary amylase activity. A total of 67 overweight women of reproductive age were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Participants were divided into high-salivary-amylase (HSA) and low-salivary-amylase (LSA) groups based on baseline salivary amylase activity measured using a spectrophotometric method. Each group was further subdivided into two dietary intervention groups: calorie restriction (CR) and low starch (LS), resulting in four subgroups (HSA-CR, HSA-LS, LSA-CR, LSA-LS), along with a control group (CTR) of normal-weight individuals (no intervention). Participants were assigned to a calorie-restricted diet or a low-starch diet for 12 weeks. Key metabolic markers of adipose tissue, including insulin sensitivity, adipokines, cytokines, and lipid profiles, were measured at baseline (T0), 30 min after consuming starch-containing muesli (T1), and 12 weeks after intervention (T2). Active GLP-1, glucagon, and C-peptide levels were assessed to clarify the hormonal mechanisms underlying the dietary effects. Salivary amylase activity was also measured to examine its role in modulating glucose and GLP-1 responses. Both diet interventions led to significant improvements in metabolic markers of adipose tissue, though different ones. Calorie restriction improved insulin sensitivity by effectively reducing visceral fat mass and enhancing insulin signaling pathways. In contrast, the low-starch diet was linked to a reduction in the coefficient of glucose variation influenced partly by changes in GLP-1 levels. Our findings highlight the importance of personalized diet strategies to optimize metabolic health in this demographic.

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) techniques have revolutionized veterinary medicine for cats and dogs, offering insights across various domains. In veterinary parasitology, NGS enables comprehensive profiling of parasite populations, aiding in understanding transmission dynamics and drug resistance mechanisms. In infectious diseases, NGS facilitates rapid pathogen identification, characterization of virulence factors, and tracking of outbreaks. Moreover, NGS sheds light on metabolic processes by elucidating gene expression patterns and metabolic pathways, essential for diagnosing metabolic disorders and designing tailored treatments. In autoimmune diseases, NGS helps identify genetic predispositions and molecular mechanisms underlying immune dysregulation. Veterinary oncology benefits from NGS through personalized tumor profiling, mutation analysis, and identification of therapeutic targets, fostering precision medicine approaches. Additionally, NGS plays a pivotal role in veterinary genetics, unraveling the genetic basis of inherited diseases and facilitating breeding programs for healthier animals. Physiological investigations leverage NGS to explore complex biological systems, unraveling gene–environment interactions and molecular pathways governing health and disease. Application of NGS in treatment planning enhances precision and efficacy by enabling personalized therapeutic strategies tailored to individual animals and their diseases, ultimately advancing veterinary care for companion animals.

The fact that some SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia patients benefit from changing body position, and some from continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP), indicates the functional character of hypoxia. We hypothesize that such effects could be explained by the closure of small airways. To prove the hypothesis, we evaluated the patency of small airways in 30 oxygen-dependent, spontaneously breathing patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia during their hospital stay using the FOT method and then compared the results with data obtained three months later. During the acute period, total resistance (R5) and peripheral resistance (R5-20) rose above the upper limit of normal (ULN) in 28% and 50% of all patients, respectively. Reactance indices X5, AX and Fres exceeded ULN in 55%, 68% and 66% of cases. Significant correlations were observed between PaO2/FiO2, the time spent in the hospital and R5, X5, AX and Fres. After 3 months, 18 patients were re-examined. During the hospital stay, 11 of them had risen above the upper limit of normal (ULN), for both resistance (R5-20) and reactance (X5, AX) values. Three months later, ULN for R5-20 was exceeded in only four individuals, but ULN for X5 and AX was exceeded in five individuals. Lung function examination revealed a combined restrictive/obstructive ventilatory failure and reduced CO transfer factor. We interpret these changes as lung tissue remodeling due to the process of fibrosis. We conclude that during acute period of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, dilated pulmonary blood vessels and parenchymal oedema induce functional closure of small airways, which in turn induce atelectasis with pulmonary right-to-left shunting, followed by the resulting hypoxemia.

Various microorganisms, including Mycoplasma spp., have been reported in canine ejaculate. The impact of these microorganisms on semen quality remains unclear. This study included 63 male intact healthy dogs aged 1–8 years. One dog exhibited azoospermia, indicating a relatively low incidence of this condition. Interestingly, 36.5% of the examined dogs tested negative for both aerobic bacteria and mycoplasmas, while 12.7% tested positive for bacterial presence. Additionally, 60.3% of the dogs tested positive for Mycoplasma spp. using PCR, with most carrying 1–2 Mycoplasma species. We found no significant difference in semen characteristics between Mycoplasma-positive and -negative dogs. The detection of Mycoplasma was not significantly linked to the presence of bacteria in semen. All the microorganisms identified were classified as saprophytic flora. Our findings indicate that Mycoplasma spp. is common in canine ejaculate. Semen quality parameters were not correlated with the presence of Mycoplasma spp. in semen. Mycoplasma HRC689 was the most common species. Some dogs exhibited no presence of aerobic bacteria or mycoplasmas in their semen. Our study highlights the common presence of Mycoplasma spp. in canine ejaculate. Semen quality shows no correlation with Mycoplasma presence. Some canine ejaculate is sterile. Our findings suggest the existence of undescribed species of canine mycoplasmas, necessitating advanced diagnostic techniques like NGS for their identification.

Education for sustainable development is one of the key components of the 2030 Agenda. Previous research emphasizes the importance of access to education as early as possible in accordance with the goals and contents of sustainable development. It is assumed that educational policies have incorporated education for sustainable development (ESD) into key documents regulating the early childhood education (ECE), although the existence of legislation is not a guarantee that the practice follows the educational policy. Preschool teachers are key persons who can integrate content that promotes and encourages acceptance of the concept of sustainability into the ECE setting. In order to determine ECE teachers' understanding of the concept of sustainability and contents that promote a sustainable lifestyle, an empirical study with a qualitative approach was conducted, where 91 ECE teachers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Slovenia participated. The participants presented their views on the socio-cultural, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability, as well as gave many practical examples that, in their view, promote a sustainable lifestyle. They evaluated the efficacy of the researched segments of sustainability as well. Deductive content analysis was used for the analysis of the ECE teachers' answers. In order to get a real image of sustainability in ECE practices, responses were coded using the SOLO Taxonomy and the OMEP ESD Rating Scale. The empirical study showed that ECE teachers often understand sustainability differently from that described in educational policy documents but also pointed to creative approaches to implementation.

Mycoplasma species (spp.) are bacteria that are difficult to detect. Currently, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is considered the most effective diagnostic tool to detect these microorganisms in both human and veterinary medicine. There are 13 known species of human Mycoplasma and 15 species of canine Mycoplasma. Owing to the difficulties in identifying the individual species of Mycoplasma, there is a lack of information regarding which species are saprophytic and which are pathogenic. The prevalence of the individual species is also unknown. In addition, in both humans and dogs, the results of some studies on the impact of Mycoplasma are conflicting. The presence of Mycoplasma spp. on the epithelium of reproductive tract is often associated with infertility, although they are also detected in healthy individuals. The occurrence of Mycoplasma spp. is more common in dogs (even 89%) than in humans (1.3%–4%). This is probably because the pH of a dog's genital is more conducive to the growth of Mycoplasma spp. than that of humans. Phylogenetically, human and canine Mycoplasma are related, and majority of them belong to the same taxonomic group. Furthermore, 40% of canine Mycoplasma spp. are placed in common clusters with those of human. This suggests that species from the same cluster can play a similar role in the canine and human reproductive tracts. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge about the impact of Mycoplasma on canine and human male fertility as well as the prospects of further development in this field.

The paper presents a study conducted within a broader scientific project named Contemporary approaches to the teaching methodology of mathematical education in early childhood. The theoretical background is based on the assumption that a family context in which children grow up can influence the early maths development and knowledge that they bring into an educational system. This survey, conducted on the sample of 250 parents of six-year-old children who attended a public preschool institution in Banja Luka, was presented in the article. The study correlates the children’s home activities with factors connected to the socio-economic status of their respective families (parents’ education, income, and profession and possession of toys and playing materials at home). Although the survey results partially confirm the hypotheses, some implications for both mutual impacts and interconnection of the preschool curriculum, as a vision of early childhood mathematical education experts, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, family environment, offering initial support for children’s mathematical development, can be set.

Važne odrednice kvalitete obrazovne ustanove jesu učitelji i kvaliteta njihovih radnih zadataka. Zahtjevi koji se postavljaju pred učitelje u 21. stoljeću postaju sve raznovrsniji i zahtijevaju širok raspon vještina u različitim područjima rada. Ciljevi su ovoga rada pregledom i analizom dostupne literature pružiti uvid u aktualna znanja o kompetencijama učitelja/nastavnika, ukazati na njihovu važnost, objediniti i prikazati rezultate istraživanja čiji su se autori bavili kompetencijama nastavnika te pokušati dati teorijsku i kritičku analizu, s posebnim naglaskom na pedagoške kompetencije. Pregledom literature koja se bavi problematikom učiteljskih kompetencija pokušali smo ukazati na njihovu važnost, razviti teorijske temelje i analizirati dosadašnja istraživanja kako bismo odgovorili na različita istraživačka pitanja. Proučavanje problematike pedagoških kompetencija pokazuje da su one u fokusu interesiranja pedagoga, a analiza ukazuje na posebnost u svakome pojedinom istraživanju te može koristiti i u budućim operacionalizacijama pedagoške kompetencije. Kompetentnost učitelja/nastavnika promatramo kao preduvjet održiva razvoja o kojemu ovisi perspektiva odgojno-obrazovne prakse u futurološkome smislu, a rad daje skroman doprinos popularizaciji ove problematike.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in women of reproductive age leads to significant health risks, including adverse metabolic and reproductive outcomes. Effective dietary interventions are critical to improving health outcomes in this population. This study investigates the impact of a 12-week diet intervention on metabolic markers of adipose tissue in overweight women of reproductive age, determining whether calorie restriction or low-starch diets are more effective, while also accounting for salivary amylase activity. A total of 67 overweight women of reproductive age were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Participants were divided into high-salivary-amylase (HSA) and low-salivary-amylase (LSA) groups based on baseline salivary amylase activity measured using a spectrophotometric method. Each group was further subdivided into two dietary intervention groups: calorie restriction (CR) and low starch (LS), resulting in four subgroups (HSA-CR, HSA-LS, LSA-CR, LSA-LS), along with a control group (CTR) of normal-weight individuals (no intervention). Participants were assigned to a calorie-restricted diet or a low-starch diet for 12 weeks. Key metabolic markers of adipose tissue, including insulin sensitivity, adipokines, cytokines, and lipid profiles, were measured at baseline (T0), 30 min after consuming starch-containing muesli (T1), and 12 weeks after intervention (T2). Active GLP-1, glucagon, and C-peptide levels were assessed to clarify the hormonal mechanisms underlying the dietary effects. Salivary amylase activity was also measured to examine its role in modulating glucose and GLP-1 responses. Both diet interventions led to significant improvements in metabolic markers of adipose tissue, though different ones. Calorie restriction improved insulin sensitivity by effectively reducing visceral fat mass and enhancing insulin signaling pathways. In contrast, the low-starch diet was linked to a reduction in the coefficient of glucose variation influenced partly by changes in GLP-1 levels. Our findings highlight the importance of personalized diet strategies to optimize metabolic health in this demographic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this study was to determine how students and teachers in primary schools view the classroom climate and its dimensions: (a) peer relationships and (b) student-teacher relationships. Additionally, the study aimed to explore the role of students' age (11-12 years old - 7th grade students vs. 14-15 years old - 9th grade primary school students) and gender on their perceptions of the school climate. Classroom climate was measured with the "Classroom Climate Questionnaire", which was completed by a total of 1,531 students (792; 51.6% female) and 348 teachers (296; 84.6% female). The findings of the study indicated that both students and teachers generally perceived the classroom climate as being relatively neutral to positive. However, teachers tended to report more positive classroom relationships compared to students. Furthermore, the study found no significant gender-based differences in how students perceived the classroom climate, peer relationships, and student-teacher interactions. However, differences were identified based on the age or grade level of the students. The results were discussed in the context of the students’ psychological development characteristics and the aspects of socio-emotional learning within school environments, also considering educational policies for achieving greater school quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starting from the importance of sustainable behaviour among educators for sustainability in kindergarten, the aim of this empirical quantitative study was to investigate the prevalence of predispositions towards sustainable behaviour among students from the first cycle of the Pre- school Education study programme at three universities. The connection between predispositions, the existence of a difference between cognitive and non-cognitive predispositions, and the absence of a statistically significant difference between the predispositions of the students in relation to home faculty and place of residence were determined.

This paper presents a part of the research carried out among educators in Slovenian kindergartens on the self- regulated learning of children in kindergarten and the role of educators in this process. The aim of the research was to find out how educators self-assess their knowledge of self-regulated learning in relation to their level of education, workplace (educator and assistant educator), and work experience. The research was conducted in June and July 2021 via the 1Ka website for online surveys. The questionnaire was sent by e-mail to the kindergarten directors throughout Slovenia. One-way analysis of variance indicates that there are no significant differences on the scale of knowledge about self-regulation and self-regulated learning in relation to the level of education, F (4, 494) = 0.96, p> 0.05. One-way analysis of variance indicates that there are statistically significant differences on the scale of knowledge about self-regulation and self-regulated learning in relation to work experience, F (3, 495) = 3.20, p = 0.023. LSD post hoc test was applied to examine the differences between individual groups. Educators and assistants with more than 31 years of service (AS = 3.62) have significantly higher results on the scale compared to those with up to 10 years of service (AS = 3, 40). as well as in relation to those with work experience from 11 to 20 years (AS = 3.39). Educators and assistants with more than 31 years of service (AS = 3.62) have significantly higher results on the scale compared to those with up to 10 years of service (AS = 3,40). ) as well as in relation to those with work experience from 11 to 20 years (AS = 3.39).

Prostate cancer represents the most common male urologic neoplasia. Tissue biopsies are the gold standard in oncology for diagnosing prostate cancer. We conducted a study to find the most reliable and noninvasive diagnostic tool. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of two biomarkers which we believe are the most interesting: BRCA (BRCA1 and 2) and ctDNA. Our systematic research yielded 248 articles. Forty-five duplicates were first excluded and, upon further examination, a further 203 articles were excluded on the basis of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, leaving 25 articles. A statistical analysis of the obtained data has been performed. With a collective calculation, BRCA1 was expressed in 2.74% of all cases from 24,212 patients examined and BRCA2 in 1.96% of cases from 20,480 patients. In a total calculation using ctDNA, it was observed that 89% of cases from 1198 patients exhibited high expression of circulating tumor DNA. To date, no ideal PCa biomarker has been found. Although BRCA1 and BRCA2 work well for breast and ovarian cancers, they do not seem to be reliable for prostate cancer. ctDNA seems to be a much better biomarker; however, there are few studies in this area. Further studies need to be performed.

The fact that some SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia patients benefit from changing body position, and some from continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP), indicates the functional character of hypoxia. We hypothesize that such effects could be explained by the closure of small airways. To prove the hypothesis, we evaluated the patency of small airways in 30 oxygen-dependent, spontaneously breathing patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia during their hospital stay using the FOT method and then compared the results with data obtained three months later. During the acute period, total resistance (R5) and peripheral resistance (R5-20) rose above the upper limit of normal (ULN) in 28% and 50% of all patients, respectively. Reactance indices X5, AX and Fres exceeded ULN in 55%, 68% and 66% of cases. Significant correlations were observed between PaO2/FiO2, the time spent in the hospital and R5, X5, AX and Fres. After 3 months, 18 patients were re-examined. During the hospital stay, 11 of them had risen above the upper limit of normal (ULN), for both resistance (R5-20) and reactance (X5, AX) values. Three months later, ULN for R5-20 was exceeded in only four individuals, but ULN for X5 and AX was exceeded in five individuals. Lung function examination revealed a combined restrictive/obstructive ventilatory failure and reduced CO transfer factor. We interpret these changes as lung tissue remodeling due to the process of fibrosis. We conclude that during acute period of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, dilated pulmonary blood vessels and parenchymal oedema induce functional closure of small airways, which in turn induce atelectasis with pulmonary right-to-left shunting, followed by the resulting hypoxemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the infringements upon the principle of equality caused by hate crimes, as well as the negative impact of such crimes not only on their victims but also on other persons within the same group of vulnerable people, the authors of this paper analyse hate speech as a criminally punishable act. The analysis of this issue is of essential importance as hate speech manifests on the internet, often via comments made online, a worrying issue as hate speech is therefore often tolerated. This article raises the question of the delimitation of hate speech from hate crime; the authors present an analytical overview of national and international case law, providing an insight into the process of distinguishing hate speech from a person’s right to exercise their freedom of self-expression. A separate section covers the challenges that law enforcement authorities face when investigating incidents of hate speech online, where criminal activities often trespass the borders of a single state and their investigation requires tools of international cooperation to receive or transfer electronic evidence.